Designer Q&A with Tyler Dawson

Like her native California, Tyler Dawson’s design aesthetic is warm, playful, layered and innovative. We caught up with her to find out about the space she designed as part of the American Craft Council's San Francisco event, which takes place August 8-10.

Why did you choose a piece from Victor DiNovi?

I’m intrigued by the balance of masculine and feminine in Victor’s pieces—the curvilinear aspect and the integrity and natural beauty of the wood. I wanted to play off of that, while highlighting the organic nature of the design. It inspired a whimsical approach to the project, which is an aspect of design that I’ve been enjoying as of late.

As soon as I saw the mirror/console combination, I thought of the Queen in the fairy tale Snow White by the Brothers Grimm, and decided it would be fun to create a space for the sinister character, a space where full vanity entertains herself. The ultimate den of narcissism!

Can you share a story about DIY or craft that you’ve created?

My favorite DIY project in recent years was a ping pong table that a friend and I decided to fabricate ourselves, in order to fulfill a spur of the moment game craving. We picked out some very lovely plywood and added brass hinge details and Lucite bases. I have plans to paint it just as soon as I get the urge to roll up my sleeves again!

Excluding fresh flowers in abundance or candles, what is your favorite styling trick to create a party atmosphere in your home?

I’ve seen some really fun, surprisingly pretty things done with balloons lately, which I think lend an especially festive vibe to a party. I like to cover the entire ceiling of an entryway to set the tone. Other than that, if there is good music and full cocktail glasses, the work is pretty much done for me!

Sometimes even the clients with the biggest budgets fall in love with an affordable item from a popular catalog or online store - what is one of your best affordable finds?

One item that I seem to use again and again is the CB2 peekaboo waterfall console. I’ve used it in so many different contexts – desks, entryway tables, bar stations — I even used two of them as a ping pong table base in the aforementioned DIY!

Thanks Tyler!

For more about Tyler, click here. For more about the American Craft Council event, click here.